ICNA (Islamic Circle of North America) Canada shares on its website the book “Riyad us Saliheen” (“The Gardens of the Righteous” رياض الصالحين) compiled by Imam Zakaruya Yahya Bin Sharaf An-Nawawi, a Sunni Shafi’ite jurist and hadith scholar who lived in 13th century.
Here are excerpts from the book:
“[Hadith]: 22. Imran bin Al-Husain Al-Hhuza`i (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A woman from the tribe Juhainah came to Messenger of Allah (PBUH) while she was pregnant from (Zina) adultery and said to him: “O Messenger of Allah! I have committed an offense liable to Hadd (prescribed punishment), so exact the execution of the sentence.” Messenger of Allah (PBUH) called her guardian and said to him, “Treat her kindly. Bring her to me after the delivery of the child.” That man complied with the orders. At last the Prophet (PBUH) commanded to carry out the sentence. Her clothes were secured around her and she was stoned to death. The Prophet (PBUH) led her funeral prayers. `Umar submitted: “O Messenger of Allah! She committed Zina and you have performed funeral prayer for her?” He replied, “Verily, she made repentance which would suffice for seventy of the people of Al- Madinah if it is divided among them. Can there be any higher degree of repentance than that she sacrificed her life voluntarily to win the Pleasure of Allah, the Exalted?”.
[Muslim].
“Commentary: This Hadith highlights the following five points:
l. It confirms the validity of the punishment of Rajm [stoning] for the adulterer, that is to say that he should be stoned to death.
2. The merit of sincere pardon.
3. The description of fear of Allah as well as of accountability on the Day of Resurrection by the Prophet’s Companions, and their preference for punishment of sins in this world rather than in the Hereafter.
4. It is permissible to perform the funeral prayer of one who has been guilty of major sins, provided he has not been taking them as lawful because in that case there is danger of disbelief.
5. A pregnant woman cannot be punished with Rajm [stoning] until she gives birth to the child and the period specified for suckling the baby is completed.”